Lead role awaits in opener
Stevenson is expected to see the bulk of the snaps and touches out of the backfield Wednesday against the Seahawks after teammate TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) was ruled out for the season opener, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.
Stevenson and Henderson are expected to have a fairly equitable split of the backfield when both are fully healthy, but the latter's absence for Week 1 should clear the way for Stevenson to handle a workhorse role. The Patriots have Corey Kiner on hand as a backup option, and at least one of Lan Larison and Hassan Haskins will be promoted from the practice squad for the opener, but none are expected to poach much work from Stevenson on early or passing downs. With a big workload likely awaiting him Wednesday, Stevenson should make for a strong option in Week 1 fantasy lineups, even in a tough matchup against the reigning Super Bowl champions.
More New England Patriots Fantasy Football News
Drake Maye
Trio of critical INTs in loss
Maye completed 23 of 33 passes for 178 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions while rushing seven times for 47 yards in the Patriots' 13-10 loss to the Seahawks on Wednesday.
A.J. Brown
Vrabel has 'no update' on injury
Coach Mike Vrabel didn't have an update on Brown (ankle) after Wednesday's loss at Seattle in which the wide receiver left early due to injury, Taylor Kyles of CLNSMedia.com reports.
A.J. Brown
Will not return Wednesday
Brown (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's contest versus Seattle.
A.J. Brown
Questionable to return Wednesday
Brown (ankle) is questionable to return Wednesday against the Seahawks, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
TreVeyon Henderson
Sitting out season opener
The Patriots ruled out Henderson for Wednesday's season opener versus the Seahawks, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.
Christian Gonzalez
Gets massive extension from New England
Gonzalez signed a four-year, $135 million extension, with $102 million guaranteed, with the Patriots on Monday, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reports.
TreVeyon Henderson
Remains out of practice Monday
Henderson (ankle) remained sidelined at Monday's practice, Mike Kadlick of Sports Illustrated reports.
TreVeyon Henderson
Not spotted at Monday's practice
Henderson (ankle) was not spotted at the portion of Monday's practice open to the media, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive.com.
TreVeyon Henderson
Misses Sunday's practice
Henderson (ankle) officially didn't practice Sunday, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reports.
TreVeyon Henderson
Looks set to miss Sunday's practice
Henderson (ankle) was in street clothes ahead of Sunday's practice and appears likely to be listed as a non-participant on the Patriots' first injury report of the season, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reports.